New HINO 200 Series Light Commercial Vehicle Launched In Malaysia
The HINO 200 Series Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) has been added to Hino Motors Sales (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd’s (HMSM) range of offerings. This is currently its smallest truck available for Malaysia and is aimed at a fairly new segment to the company here. This move is part of HMSM’s strategy to be the most ‘customer-centric’ commercial vehicles company by providing ‘Best-Fit Products’ as well as ‘Total Support’ according to its customers’ needs. This move has thus far paid dividends as HINO had an overall share of the commercial vehicles segment of 38% in 2022, its highest ever. 
“Our new light commercial vehicle, HINO 200 Series is one of our products that we have worked on to achieve customer satisfaction,” commented Atsushi Uchiyama, Managing Director of HMSM at the official launch. Also present at the event was Masahiro Kumasaka, Chief Officer of Hino Motors Asia. Rodney Khor, Director of Mighty Bakery Sdn Bhd was also present as prior to the launch, Mighty Bakery had placed an order for 10 units of the HINO 200 Series.
The introduction of the HINO 200 Series caters to customers who need a truck which can handle narrow and congested roads, as well as basements. This 4-wheeler light-duty truck has a wheelbase of 2,545 mm, length of 4,565 mm, height of 1,990 mm and width of 1,695 mm. HMSM emphasised that this truck’s height would be able to comfortably enter basements with 2,100 mm ceiling height, allowing customers to deliver more load to such venues. Along with a low cabin height is a low deck height which makes loading and unloading cargo easier. Further, the mounting brackets are also available on the chassis frame for easy and direct body mounting.
The truck’s Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) rating is 3,600 kg which makes it suitable for applications in various industries ranging from food & beverages, white goods / household appliances / furniture deliveries, to electrical / air-conditioning / plumbing, courier, etc. Additionally, the 200 Series has a tiltable cabin thus the low cabin height takes up less space when the cabin is tilted for maintenance work on the engine.
The truck is powered by a Toyota 1GD-FTV 2.8L inline-4 turbo commonrail diesel engine which complies to Euro 4 standards (the first in Hino’s range here), and is compatible with B20 biodiesel. Paired with a 5-speed R451 manual transmission, maximum engine output is 144 hp @ 3,400 rpm and 300 Nm @ 1,200 – 3,200 rpm.
The relatively silent and cleaner burning engine is complemented by independent front double wishbone suspension set-up, with double acting shock absorbers and stabiliser bar, for improved driving comfort and for better tyre contact on uneven roads. The rear suspension is a semi-elliptical leaf spring suspension with rubber rebound bumpers and double acting shock absorbers to handle the load in the cargo area.
Safety features include an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which prevents the wheels from locking up during heavy braking. Added safety includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control which enables the driver to have better control of the truck in emergency manoeuvring situations. Moreover, the 200 Series has a small turning radius of 4,700 mm which helps in urban and crowded conditions. The 80-litre tank, coupled with the fuel efficient engine, allows for greater driving distances in between refuelling. HMSM also provides training courses to customers and their drivers to optimise fuel efficiency and usage to gain better return on investment.
Other features include a tilt and telescoping steering column, power window, and central locking. The HINO 200 Series is suitable for 3 types of bodies i.e. cargo, box van and mobile truck. Prices start from RM88,900. It is covered by a 5-year (or 300,000 km) warranty, and includes 3x FREE Service Package (parts, lubricant, labour). Customers can also sign up for the optional warranty which covers up to 7 years.
